Cambridge-based Cyted, which works on non-endoscopic diagnostics for digestive diseases, has appointed Gail Marcus as its chair and a non-executive director, to support the business’s entry into the US market.

She replaces Will West who has been chair for more than three years and remains on the board.

Marcus sits on the board of Natera, a women’s health and molecular diagnostics company.  She also sits on private company boards, including PathAI and Biomodal (formerly Cambridge Epigenetix). She is an assistant professor at Hofstra University in the master’s in health administration programme.

Marcus previously worked in senior leadership positions at CIGNA and United Healthcare and was chief executive of cancer care company Caris Diagnostics, and Calloway Labs, a biotechnology firm specialising in clinical toxicology laboratory services.

Cyted’s co-founder and chief executive Marcel Gehrung said: “Gail will help drive forward work taking our minimally-invasive EndoSign test for the pre-cancerous condition Barrett’s oesophagus to patients across the US. With an exceptional record of leadership in pioneering diagnostic technology companies and a deep understanding of US healthcare, she is unrivalled in terms of expertise for this post.”

Marcus commented: “I am excited to be leading Cyted’s expansion in the US alongside the team and determined to make sure many more physicians have the opportunity to provide convenient, accessible diagnostics to their patients. The potential to transform the way we monitor patients with chronic reflux and identify those at risk of developing cancer using minimally-invasive diagnostics is huge.”